Mob alleged to be Congress supporters attack NPP worker ahead of Meghalaya bye-polls

Congress supporters attack NPP worker

SHILLONG: A National People's Party (NPP) worker was allegedly attacked by a mob in the Rajabala constituency on Wednesday ahead of Meghalaya Bye-polls.

According to reports, three persons of the mob have been alleged to be supporters of the Congress party.

The NPP worker has been identified as Hasan Ali.

According to West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police VS Rathore, four people were initially detained, but one was released while the other three, who allegedly claimed to be Congress supporters, were arrested for their involvement in the attack on Hasan Ali.

They have been sent to judicial custody by the district court in Tura.

The three arrestees have been identified as -- Ismail Hoque, Aminul Islam, and Sofior Rehman, all residence of Rajabala.

Simultaneously, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh has ordered a judicial investigation into the matter.

Jagdish Chenali, SDO of Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division, will undertake the investigation, and the report is due in 10 days.

ALSO READ: Opposition scared of my presence in poll bound constituency, says Meghalaya CM

Reports suggest that the victim's family has identified and named around 100 other people who were allegedly involved in the clash and stone-pelting.

Meanwhile, preliminary evidence indicates that the troublemakers arrived armed with stones and other sharp weapons, according to police.

Due to rivalry between NPP and Congress supporters, an unprovoked incident occurred, which was quickly brought under control.

By-polls in Meghalaya will be held in three constituencies–Mawryngkneng, Rajabala, and Mawphlang.

The by-elections are scheduled for October 30, 2021.

The electoral machinery is assessing the arrangements for the by-elections in order to ensure that people may vote in a free and fair environment on October 30.

According to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), FR Kharkongor, four companies of the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPFs) will be deployed to critical areas by the Election Department.